Areté (\ærətiː\; Greek: ἀρετή): excellence and moral virtue.

Areté Academy combines biblical worldview training with specialized professional development. This one-week student training is holistic, focusing equally on the spiritual, intellectual, and relational development of each attendee. Derived from Philippians 4:8, areté refers to the moral excellence and virtue that accompany a life lived to its full potential and God-given calling. Accordingly, attendees are known as 'Delegates' because they are called to represent Christ as outstanding professionals.

With a commitment to excellence and reflecting godliness, the Areté Academy staff has equipped thousands of Christian students and professionals around the globe to become leaders in their career fields. As a Delegate you’ll experience this commitment in even the smallest details of Areté Academy.

About

Spiritual

Each day at Areté Academy is founded upon worship, reflection, and devotionals. The curriculum is rooted in Psalm 78, which highlights the necessity of teaching tomorrow’s leaders about God, His law, and His works. Delegates explore the concept of 'calling' and what it means to be a faithful and effective leader within a particular industry.

Intellectual

Faith and intellect go hand in hand. Areté Academy gives Delegates the opportunity to study under some of the most distinguished Christian academics and experts in their fields. Delegates leave the Academy with the tools to maximize credentials and position themselves to pursue God’s calling on their lives.

Relational

An essential component of Areté Academy is the thoughtful community, which grows throughout future academic and professional pursuits. Relationships are nurtured as Delegates live, learn, worship, pray, and participate in small group discussions together. As a result, Delegates leave knowing they have the support to face–and overcome–future challenges.

As an Areté Academy Delegate, you join a community of highly accomplished, passionate Christians from around the world. You leave with the competence and character needed to excel in your future profession, the conviction necessary to effectively engage the culture, and a community that enriches and fuels your pursuits. Alumni of Areté Academy have gone on to pursue careers not only in law, but also in business, medicine, government, foreign affairs, academia, politics, economics, ministry, and intelligence.

If you have any questions about the Areté Academy, please view our FAQ or

As an Areté Academy Delegate, you join a community of highly-accomplished, passionate Christians around the world. You leave with the competence, credentials, and character needed to excel in your future profession, the conviction necessary to effectively engage the culture, and a community that both enriches and fuels your pursuits. Alumni of Areté Academy have gone on to pursue careers not only in law, but also in business, medicine, government, foreign affairs, academia, politics, economics, national security, and intelligence.

Attend

Areté Academy is tailored geographically to most effectively train Delegates in each region.

Europe

Latin America

United States

Alumni

Europe

Areté Academy – Europe is exclusively offered to Christians studying in Europe who are pursuing a career in law, politics, policy, and related fields. Delegates examine how powerful institutions, such as the UN, EU, and Council of Europe, are addressing pressing legal and cultural issues. They also engage with and learn from leading faculty from many European nations, giving unique perspectives on national, regional, and global concerns.

Latin America

Areté Academy – Latin America is exclusively for Christians studying in Latin America who are pursuing a career in law, politics, policy, and related fields. Delegates examine how powerful institutions, such as the UN and the Organization of American States, are addressing pressing legal and cultural issues. This track features distinguished faculty from several countries in North and South America, allowing Delegates to get valuable insights into national, regional, and global concerns.

United States

Areté Academy – United States is designed for Christians who are pursuing careers in law, government, public policy, and related field. Through a rigorous curriculum, Delegates explore the US legal system, constitutional jurisprudence, natural law principles, and American history. They also garner techniques on how to survive and thrive in law school and beyond. Applicants must be enrolled at or recently graduated from a university within the United States.

Alumni

Areté Academy is committed to the continual development of Delegates and strengthening of the community. As such, Areté offers specialized Training Tracks for career development. Additionally, Delegates gain access to a robust Alumni Community Site with resources and ways to globally engage.

Testimonials

Rocia, Universidad de Mendoza, Argentina

"The Academy gave me objective and intellectual reasons in order to defend life, marriage, and religious freedom among people who do not believe in God."

Andrea, Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala

"The speakers were very professional and technical, and the sessions provided me invaluable knowledge very important in my training in the professional field and also in the ethical and religious field."

Rudy, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala

"Areté has envisioned and equipped me … to advocate for those who have no voice … and to defend the right of every person to live freely according to their faith."

Marco, Universidad Austral, Argentina

"Areté Academy really exceeded my expectations offering me the opportunity to learn from prestigious and passionate professionals surrounded by people that share both my faith and values."

Mentors

Areté Academy includes Christian graduate students who serve as mentors throughout the programme. These mentors are handpicked from past Alliance Defending Freedom and ADF International trainings to lead small group discussions and provide individual mentoring. Their passion, talent, and experience give Delegates a wealth of invaluable insights and direction as they navigate career decisions.